Fireproof arch.



Patented Feb. I9, I90I.

S. LORD. FIREPBUDF ARCH.

(Application led Nov. 1, 1899.)

(No Model.)

milnesses. fifa/.ffm

UNITED STATES ATENT Fries..

FIREPROOF ARCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 668,530, dated February19, 1901.

Application filed November 1l 1899. serial No. 735,514. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL LORD, a citizen of the United States,residing at No. 447 St. Anns avenue, in the city, county, and State ofNew York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in FireproofArches, of which the following is a specification.

Myinvention relates to improvements in terra-cotta arch-blocks used inconstructing the iioors, roofs, &c., of fireproof buildings, and has forits chief objects- First. A new system of placing arch-blocks inposition without the use of hangers and plank-centers.

Second. Means to prevent the large percentage in broken blocks caused bycutting around the tie-rods and hangers in the present systems. Myinvention effectually prevents this heavy loss by doing away with theaforesaid cutting entirely.

Third. To make a truss-form block, thereby distributing the strain moreevenly, and also to prevent the blocks from warping or twisting out ofshape While being burned in the kiln.

Fourth. To make .an arch-block which will give a more level and evenceiling-surface than any block in use at the present time.

Fifth. To make a key-block which will take up the difference in size inhard and soft burned blocks and tighten itself without the use ofcement, slate, or other material.

Sixth. To make an arch-block which may be set with more rapidity thanthe systems in use at present. y

Seventh. A stronger arch with equal weight of material or a lighter archwith the same strength as those in use at present.

I attain these objects by means of an arch block illustrated in theaccompanying draw-- ings and by the use of temporary angle-iron centers.

Figure l represents a side view of a course of arch-blocks in positionbetween the beams. Fig. 2 represents a section of the small-size blocks.Fig. 3 represents the key-block.

Similar letters referto similar parts throughout the several views.

The iron or steel beams A are set in the walls in the usual manner,after which two lengths of angle-iron B S are cut the same length asspan of beams. These bars of angle- .of block X. The entire arch is laidin like manner, and upon completionthe lugs P on the first course and Eof the last course of blocks are cutoff and the angle-irons removed,

. to be used again in arches of equal span. It

will therefore be noted that the arch is now entirely self-supporting.

The blocks are so constructed that they may be cut to tit any requiredspace with small loss of material, as the internal members or lugs O inbroken blocks take the place of the external lugs E P in whole blocks.This is best illustrated by the blocks R W, which show the same cut onopposite ends to it a certain space. The blocks may be cut through thecenters with like results.

The peculiar form of the key-block is a noteworthy feature of thisinvention. As is well known, terra-cotta blocks vary in sizeconsiderably, which makes a standard-size key next to useless in keyingup an arch laid Without cement. This key having a plurality of falsebottoms will effectually take up this difference and the arch must ofnecessity remain absolutely tight. After the arch is in place the keysprojecting below the ceiling-line may be removed with a blow of thehammer.

I believe there are several forms of terracotta arch-blocks alreadypatented; but I am not aware that such a one as herein described andillustrated has been patented in this or any other country.

Therefore I desire to secure Letters Patent on my invention and advancethe following claims in support of my cause:

l. An arch-block made of burnt clay or other material, with internal andexternal members or lugs, substantially as shown by E P O in thedrawings.

2. An arch-block made of burnt clay or other material, whose upper andlower surfaces, together with the inclined sides and IOO blocks adaptedto form a section or course, said blocks formed with supporting-lugs, oftemporary angle-iron supports resting upon the flanges of the girders,and adapted to be I5 removed upon the completion of the section orcourse, substantially as described.

SAMUEL LORD.

Witnesses:

MARGARET L. LORD, D. MCMILLAN.

